Dec 30, 2012

REVIEW & SWATCHES | M·A·C Strength Collection - Lipsticks

REVIEW & SWATCHES | M·A·C Strength Collection - Lipsticks

Flex your femininity with a colour collection that's fearless, elegant and strong. Strike a powerful pose, stand out, redefine the notion of beauty - and do it with strength too irresistible to ignore.



Lipstick
Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous.
3 g / 0.1 US oz  
US$15.00


Absolute Power - Rich Red
Strong Woman - Bright Violet
Party Parrot - Bright red-pink
Pink Pigeon - Bright cleanest pink

 Pink Pigeon                 Party Parrot                 Strong Woman             Absolute Power


 Availability:  December 26, 2012 - Online and Freestanding Stores (North America)

PRO Discount Available


The M·A·C Lipsticks are priced at $15 for 3 g / 0.1 oz of product. 

MAC Lipsticks are on the cheaper end of the mid-to-high-end brand pool. MAC comes in much cheaper than Make Up For Ever, NARS and of course much cheaper than Chanel, Dior and Tom Ford. Even drugstore brands such as Revlon and L'Oreal are still close in price to MAC Lipsticks.



 

These new shades of M∙A∙C Lipsticks are only available for limited time with the MAC Strength Collection. They are available for purchase at M∙A∙C stores as well as online.


 

The M∙A∙C Lipsticks are packaged in the usual black bullet shaped tube with a click-close top. They are also vanilla scented as is typical for MAC Lipsticks and lip products.








 

 The M∙A∙C Strength Collection features 5 limited edition shades of Lipsticks. Two of the shades - Pink Pigeon and Party Parrot - are repromoted shades from the MAC for Iris Apfel Collection from January 2012. Since I already own the two repromoted shades I only grabbed two other colors that appealed to me.


TEXTURE & FINISH
The 5 new shades are all matte in finish, however, there is one - Firm Form - which has a slight golden pearl. These lipsticks feature the new MAC matte formula which is less drying than the previous version.

PIGMENTATION & APPLICATION
Matte lipsticks are known for having great pigmentation and these are no different. All these lipsticks have intense color payoff in a single swipe but can also be built up in intensity by layering the color. They apply well directly from the tube or can be used with a lip brush for more precision. Since these lipsticks are matte in finish, it is best to ensure that lips are exfoliated and well moisturized before applying. This will allow for a more even application and long-lasting wear.

WEAR
These lipsticks wear for 5-8 hours on well moisturized and exfoliated lips. The lipsticks also leave a stain on the lips due to the intense color payoff.
 

 
I am absolutely in love with these new shades and the improved formula. Absolute Power is my overall favorite because it is the perfect red for anyone who has wanted to try a red lip that isn't too bright or in your face.



Are you getting any of these lipsticks? 


 


 



Pink Pigeon - Bright cleanest pink
This is a gorgeous medium tone blue based pink. Although it's a bright pink, it is still wearable on light to medium deep skintones without seeming too neon.







Party Parrot - Bright red-pink
This is a medium tone coral with a red hue. It is a great bold coral for medium to deep skintones. This color will look a bit brighter and more intense (still gorgeous) on lighter skin.



 
 Strong Woman - Bright Violet
Ever thought of wearing a purple lip? Here's one to try. Beautiful medium tone neutral purple - leans blue or red depending on skintone and lip color.






 



 Absolute Power - Rich Red
I fell in love with this red! It's a gorgeous deep true red that leans on the blue end of the spectrum which means....whiter looking teeth. It's the perfect red for those who want to try a subtle red. It's not too bright or orange toned. It should complement a multitude of skintones.
 


Dec 26, 2012

POPS of GLITTER | Glitter Accent on the Inner Corner


POPS of GLITTER | Glitter Accent on the Inner Corner 


Eyes: 
PRIME:
I applied NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base all over my lid up to the brow bone - fingers. I applied Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Tan (creamy nude) on my entire lid and on my browbone area - Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush. I then applied MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC35 under my brow - Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush. 

COLOR:
For the inner tearduct, crease and browbone areas I applied Inglot 107R Rainbow Eyeshadow - lightest shade - (matte nude). Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush
For the lid area and crease area I applied Inglot 109R Rainbow Eyeshadow (matte light, medium and dark green). MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush + Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush
For highlight under my brow I used MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (shimmery champagne). MAC 252 Large Shader Brush
On my lower lashline I applied MAC Landscape Green Chromagraphic Pencil (matte grass green). Sigma E21 Smudge Brush 
For the inner lower lashline I applied MAC Crystallized Green Glitter (lime green glitter). Sigma E11 Eyeliner Brush + LIT Cosmetics Clearly Liquid Glitter Base

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil in Brunette and Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Ebony (matte brown). Paula Dorf Eye Definer Flat Top Brush

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Benefit Babe Cake Eyeliner in Black. MAC 263 Small Angle Brush

I lined my lower waterline with  L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black. Sigma E05 Eyeliner Brush
I used L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara for my lashes and added Beautee Sense Style Erotica Eyelashes for effect. Duo Lash Adhesive.





Lips: 
POLISH:
First I lined my lips with MAC Temperature Rising Pencil (matte orange).
Then I applied MUFE #39 Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick (matte coral) topped with Dior #03 Lip Addict Lip Polish (creamy peach).


Face: 
FINISH:
I primed my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion - hands. I used Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H in 460 Suede W - Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush - for my face and set my t-zone with BareMinerals READY™ SPF 15 Touch Up Veil in Tinted - face puff.

I used Tarte Smooth Operator™ Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer in Tan - Sonia Kashuk® Core Tools Synthetic Pointed Foundation Brush - under my eyes set with Ben Nye Banana Powder - Beauty Blender Sponge.

I used MAC Peaches Blush (matte bright peach) for my cheeks - Cozzette Contour Stylist S135 Brush, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Refined (shimmery coral nude) for highlight and MUFE #2 Sculpting Kit for contour - Sigma Angled Kabuki Brush.



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